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For his post-Beatles career, Paul McCartney's work is basically intertwined between work that is credited what is considered "Paul McCartney Solo Work" and his work with Wings. When McCartney left the Beatles, he would release two solo albums "McCartney" and "Ram". While "Ram" would produce the classic song "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey", "Ram" would be trashed by the critics. It was at that point that McCartney formed the band Wings. Wings would basically be a "project" type of band by McCartney that would consist of himself, his wife Linda McCartney, vocalist Denny Laine, and a revolving door of studio musicians. Wings would eventually be dissolved in 1980 (and Laine would depart), and McCartney would return to recording under his own name (with wife Linda by his side). Despite the decade of recording under the "Wings" umbrella, no mistake would be made - Paul McCartney would still be in control and it would very much be his music. Therefore, Paul McCartney's 1987 greatest hits release "All the Best" basically is a snapshot of his post-Beatles career throughout 1984. This collection does a good job at providing this snapshot, however there are some omissions that hurt this collection.

I once heard an interview with Paul McCartney and he was asked basically what is the best song he ever wrote. I remember McCartney mulling the question and finally the song "Maybe I'm Amazed" came from his mouth. With all of the amazing work he has done throughout his career - including creating some of the most legendary songs with the Beatles, many might be surprised by this answer. However after thinking about it, I think one can make the argument that this song is in the upper echelon of his musical portfolio.Read more ›

This compilation came out in 1987, following the uneven Press To Play and as a stopgap between his next solo effort, Flowers In The Dirt. Key hits are included from Ram (1971) through Give My Regards To Broadstreet (1984). Strange that "Mull Of Kintyre" from 1977 was excluded, though it became the Wings' best-selling single. All the songs are winners in my book, but I'll just comment on a few."Band On The Run" the title track from the album that revitalized Macca's career, and "Jet", just as engaging as its sister track, are the first two songs here. The first is notable for its tripartite division, the languidly sung lyrics and melody, the mid-paced guitar, and the final explosion into its pop/rock splendour."Ebony And Ivory" was the first of three singles where he collaborated with an R&B artist. This one, with Stevie Wonder, is known for its extolling the virtues of interracial harmony. [Tug Of War]The rambling melody of "Listen To What The Man Said" also has with it bits of sax. Funny how changing one word can give a totally different interpretation: "You can hear the people say that love is blind/Well, I don't know, but I say love is kind." Blind, kind. Makes a big difference. [Venus And Mars]The ballad "No More Lonely Nights" from Give My Regards To Broadstreet, got to #2 in the UK, so he was still in top form in writing pleasant pop ballads like "My Love.""Silly Love Songs," sporting a strong bassline, asks a time old question why we need those love songs. Apart from being silly, they can be trite, corny, and downright nauseating at times, but Macca's got it right-people can't get enough of those silly love songs-myself included.Read more ›

In terms of record sales and lasting popularity, Paul McCartney has had the most successful solo career out of all the former Beatles. By the time this cd was released in 1990, he had scored 41 chart entries, 22 of which made the top 10. In fact, the firts 37 all made the top 40. Only Elton John can boast anymore in a row. The 17 - song "All The Best" tries to capture all the best, and while it's far from perfect, it's still a wonderful cd.This cd features many of McCartney's biggest solo hits. The bulk of this collection is made up of his time with Wings: the rockers "Band On The Run", "Junior's Farm" and "Jet", the chilling "Let 'Em In", the soulful "Listen To What The Man Said", the exhillerating "Live And Let Die", the disco - tinged "Goodnight Tonight" and "Comin' Up" and the uplifting "With A Little Luck". Also, many of his big solo hits are here: "Another Day", the cheery "Uncle Albert"/Admiral Halsey", the Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson smash duets "Ebony And Ivory" and "Say Say Say" and the 1984 smash "No More Lonely Nights".Still, many of his big hits are missing.Read more ›